In the most eco-friendly EU presidency so far, delegates coming to the capital will be encouraged to walk, cycle or take a bus for the events.

The historical building has been awarded the same environmentally sustainable certificates as the venues for the London Olympic Games. It will be the base for ministerial summits and the 180 meetings during Ireland's EU presidency.

The awards will mean more focus on recycling and energy efficiency, filtered tap water at meetings, catering suppliers who are members of An Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes, and the use of Fair Trade tea and coffee, free-range and organic meat, poultry and dairy products.